Endless Hope 

     We hope for some things in life: good health, finances, safety, security, political choices, victories in sports, on and on. 

     There is one hope to hold throughout this life: Salvation. Eternal life. When earthly matters don't matter anymore, our souls will be thrilled to arrive in heaven, or horribly anguished. We can be forgiven on earth, but in hell, no second chance. 

     Yours truly has close relatives down there, successful on earth, but unwilling to believe, trust and obey the One who made the air they breathed for decades. Sad. 

     Men in control of "religion" asked Jesus to prove his claim with a "sign." 

     He told them his "sign" would be his "resurrection from the dead." 

     Jesus proved his claim, but not with an effortless miracle he easily could have performed. Yes, he did heal many people, and his critics ultimately believed his power when Lazareth walked out of his grave. They still wanted Jesus out of their world.  

     Example: Those who want Donald Trump out of their world. 

     The cross was a symbol of death to lawbreakers. It is a symbol of glory for believers. Our cathedrals, robes, flags, traditions, and money, even church attendance alone, don't guarantee salvation. Faith, hope and love puts us on the "narrow road" Father and Son paved for us.

 Thursday: Sin in public school